Ozil flattered by 'German Zidane' label

Ozil, who was unveiled in an official presentation at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, has been nicknamed 'The German Zidane' by some sectors of the Madrid press, and the 21-year-old is happy with the comparison.

"He was my hero," Ozil told German newspaper Bild. "As a boy I admired his skills on television and I tried to copy them. I'm honoured by the comparison."

Ozil links up with fellow Germany midfielder Sami Khedira at Madrid and revealed he called his international team-mate before putting pen to paper.

"I spoke to him before the transfer and he was thrilled (to be at Madrid). I am happy he is here," he said.

Ozil believes he has signed for the best club in the world and expects to win titles with his new team.

"Real Madrid is a symbol of success - it's the best club in the world. Whoever comes here does so to win titles," he said. "I only wanted to come here. To play for Real Madrid is a special honour."

Ozil said in his presentation that Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was key to his decision to join and the former Werder Bremen star reiterated the importance of the Portuguese in his transfer.

"The conversation I had with him was decisive. Mourinho wanted me and that made things very clear - that's why I'm here at Real Madrid," he said.